In April 2016, households' confidence is stable: the synthetic confidence index stands
at 94 again, thereby remaining below its average calculated over the period 1987-2015
(100).

Personal situation

Financial situation: expectations virtually stable

In April, households' opinion of their past personal financial situation holds steady for the third consecutive month. Their opinion of their personal financial situation in the next twelve months is virtually stable: the corresponding balance has lost 1 point, it stands at its
lowest level since February 2015. Both balances are below their long-term average.

In April, the share of households considering it has been a suitable time to make major purchases is the same for the third consecutive month. The balance remains slightly above its
long-term average.

Saving capacity: improving

In April, households' balance of opinion on their current saving capacity has picked up somewhat, after hitting its lowest level since March 2012: the corresponding
balance has gained 3 points and has thus gone back just above its long-term average.
The one concerning their expected saving capacity is virtually stable (+1 point) and stands at its long-term average.

In April, households are less numerous than in March to consider it has been a suitable time to save (−3 points). The balance has therefore deviated further from its long term average.

(2) This indicator is normalised in such a way that its average equals 100 and standard
error equals 10 over the estimation period (1987-2015).

Source: INSEE, monthly consumer confidence survey

Economic situation in France

Standard of living in France: expectations weakening slightly

In April, households' opinion of their expected standard of living in France has declined for the fourth consecutive month: the corresponding balance
has lost 1 point, and has thus reached its lowest level since January 2015. The balance
on the past standard of living has levelled off. Both balances remain clearly below their long term average.

graphique graph2_english – Balances on personal financial situation and standard of living

Source: INSEE

Unemployment: fears rising

After a slight decline in March (−3 points), households' fears concerning unemployment
have been reignited (+6 points). The corresponding balance stays therefore above its
long-term average.

graphique chomage_en – Households' unemployment expectations

Source: INSEE

Perceived inflation: hitting a new low

In April, households are slightly less numerous than in March to consider that prices
increased during the past twelve months: the corresponding balance has lost 1 point. It has thus hit a new low since 1987
(starting date of the monthly series). The share of households to consider that prices
should increase during the next 12 months is stable, the balance remaining slightly below its long-term average.